Trump reportedly to extend blockade against Iran

Washington (ANTARA) - US President Donald Trump has reportedly instructed his staff to prepare further blockades against Iran. A report from The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials, states that in several recent meetings, Trump opted to continue pressuring Iran’s economy and oil exports by preventing shipping traffic to and from the country’s ports. According to the officials, Trump views other options, such as continuing bombings or withdrawing from the conflict, as carrying greater risks than maintaining the blockade. The United States and Israel previously launched a joint attack against Iran on 28 February, which was subsequently retaliated against by Tehran with strikes on US interests in the region, including in several Gulf countries. A ceasefire was announced on 8 April through mediation by Pakistan, followed by talks in Islamabad on 11–12 April, which ended without agreement. Trump then stated that the ceasefire had been extended at Pakistan’s request while awaiting a proposal from Iran. On Monday, Trump indicated that he is unlikely to accept Iran’s latest proposal to end the war, after Tehran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz with discussions on its nuclear programme deferred to the next negotiation phase.